Phlebotomy Certification
 Of all healthcare careers involving lab work, it's likely that phlebotomists are most familiar to the general public. Phlebotomists are mainly responsible for drawing blood from patients or blood donors, but their work often involves collecting patient data, taking vital statistics, maintaining accurate records, labeling and properly storing specimens, transporting specimens to labs, and even analyzing data and making recommendations.
Because blood tests are often patients' point of entry into the healthcare system, with recommended treatments being determined based on blood work, it's essential that phlebotomists have appropriate training and experience. So most employers prefer to hire those who have completed a phlebotomy certification program.
The Path to a Phlebotomy Career
Although the prerequisites for a career in phlebotomy vary by state, many states, such as California, require phlebotomy technicians to be certified and have state licensure, which is why completing a formal phlebotomy certification program is a good idea. According to the American Medical Technologists, most employers prefer to hire those who have passed a national examination from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), which a certification course is designed to prepare you for.
Demand for Phlebotomists Keep Growing
There are several reasons for growth within the field of phlebotomy. First, the healthcare field in general is booming as baby boomers retire, vacating their current positions within the field, and continuing to age, taking more advantage of services. Additionally, vast improvements in medical diagnoses and treatments have led to a greater number of people receiving care. As the field grows, demand for phlebotomists continues to outpace the supply.
So if a career in this fast-growing field interests you, there has never been a better time to explore phlebotomy certification. |
